Construction is progressing at the site of the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre, marking a significant milestone in the development of the state-of-the-art facility.
Excavators are currently in operation, removing over 22,000 cubic metres of soil to prepare the groundwork for the $135 million project.
“South Australia is building – and it’s exciting to see work underway on this significant piece of community infrastructure, which will benefit all South Australians,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, says.
“We’re delivering a sustainably-designed swimming centre that will be built responsibly using locally-sourced, low carbon materials wherever possible. That is good for local jobs and good for the environment.”
The next phase involves the installation of more than 700 piles, crucial for supporting the building and aquatic structures.
This step follows the completion of the earthworks, representing the initial substantial actions taken in the construction process subsequent to the planning approval obtained for the sustainably designed centre in North Adelaide’s Park 2.
A portion of the excavated soil will be stored temporarily on-site for future use in backfilling the existing centre pools after the demolition works, scheduled for later this year, are concluded.
Once completed, the new centre will stand as a testament to sustainable design, being powered entirely by renewable energy and predominantly constructed using locally-sourced, low-carbon emission materials.
The facility will boast expansive indoor and outdoor pool areas, complemented by water slides, splash zones, and lawned recreational spaces. Additionally, it will house gym and fitness facilities, a spa/sauna/steam room, and upgraded community change rooms.
“Our brand new Adelaide Aquatic Centre will be a game-changer for our community,” Lucy Hood MP, says.
“Indoor and outdoor pools; rehabilitation and learn-to-swim pools; 100 per cent powered by renewable energy and more park lands returned to the community – now that’s a win-win.
“As a former swimming instructor I am so passionate about kids’ water safety so I’m thrilled to see hundreds of families nominate an alternative location for their children’s swimming lessons while the new centre is built.”
Upon the completion of the new centre and the subsequent demolition of the existing facility, over 1000 square metres of land will be returned to Park Lands. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to support more than 1500 jobs throughout its lifespan.
In preparation for the transition, the existing aquatic centre is scheduled to close its doors on 1 August 2024, with the new centre set to open to the public in the summer of 2025-26.
During this interim period, over 100 sporting, community, and health groups currently utilising the existing pool, along with participants in the Learn to Swim program, will be accommodated at alternative venues across the Adelaide pool network.
Notably, more than 1800 Learn to Swim program participants have already expressed their preferences for alternative venues through an Expression of Interest process, which commenced in late January and concluded on 29 February. Placement offers for these participants are expected to be extended in April.
Recognising the financial strain that families may encounter during this transition, Sports Vouchers worth $150 will be provided to all Learn to Swim program participants at the existing Aquatic Centre who register through the Expression of Interest process and secure a place at an alternative pool.
“We cannot wait to welcome them back to the brand new centre in the summer of 2025-26,” Hood says.
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